The Secret Marathon

I ran a marathon this past weekend. A trail marathon at that. Yep. I ran a secret marathon…well, it actually wasn’t really a big secret. Plenty of my friends and family knew I was running but I did not announce it on the blog. Why, you ask? Well to be honest, I felt a bit silly making a big deal out of this race. I just wanted to run a marathon while I was still trained for one (and while I was NOT fighting a stomach flu). I needed to cross a marathon finish line for me if that makes any sense. My BRF, Mar, found the Queen City Marathon and sent me a link. She then immediately sent me another message that said “oh never mind, it’s a trail race.” Somehow that didn’t deter me and I signed up!

I somehow neglected to understand what this sentence describing the course would mean: “There will be approximately 1100 feet of gradual elevation gain over the next ten miles on the passage.” Yeah, it means that the race looked like this:

Whew. This was no Shamrock (which is flat as a pancake). Between the trail (mostly gravel with some rocks / etc.) and the elevation between miles 6-16, this was a really tough course. Definitely the toughest course I’ve ever run. However, the race was fantastic despite it challenging me to my limit. The course was gorgeous, with beautiful views high up in the mountains. The runners were amazingly friendly and supportive and the volunteers were great. For a small race (less than 200 runners) in its first year, I was very impressed with the organization.

It was a beast…but I’m so proud of myself for finishing my first trail marathon. I have a new found respect for trail runners — that was really tough! And you can tell from my before and after pic…

Oh, and in case you’re wondering my time was 5:33. Slower than my first marathon, but I knew that was going to be the case with a trail marathon with 10 miles uphill. I’m proud of myself and so happy that I officially finished my second marathon!

Have you ever run a trail race?

Comments

I LOVE this! Good for you for going after something you worked so hard for. I’m glad you finished and tried something new! 🙂
Karen @karenlovestorunKaren @karenlovestorun recently posted…Friday Five 3/28

Courtney – congrats and I am so proud of you! A trail run too?! How awesome! I liked you kept it a secret, it was really a nice surprise when you tweeted about your finish.Jennifer recently posted…Weekly Workout/Training in Review 3/23-29

Wow! I am cringing just looking at that elevation chart. Awesome job and I am so happy you were able to find a race after being sick at Shamrock. You are awesome.LOLZ recently posted…Training (80 miles)

Wow, that’s awesome! Congrats on finishing your first trail marathon 🙂 I volunteered at a trail marathon earlier this year and I was so impressed with the runners. The conditions looked so much more difficult than a road marathon, which is already challenging.Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review

You already know my feelings on all of this. But for the interwebs I say you are awesome!!!!! 🙂 so proud! Glad to have a partner in crime 😉Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…When Life Gives You Lemons…

wow that is awesome! That’s a great time! That course looks tough but that is great that it did not deter you and you conquered it anyway 🙂 I’m thinking of doing some trail races (never have) but am kind of nervous because of the terrain and am scared I will twist an ankle or something! But anyway – Great job and congrats on the marathon finish!!Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…Motivational Monday!

thanks patty! i don’t think i fully understood how that climb would feel over the course of 10 miles, lol. you should definitely consider a trail race. this trail was mostly gravel, with a bit of rough terrain but it wasn’t too crazy. i liked the laid back nature of the race — i think that is a feature of most trail races.

Congratulations Courtney! I also wanted to congratulate you on doing what was right for your body when you made your “early exit” at Shamrock. Doing what is best is really brave (and smart!). Glad you could re-group, find your brave and conquer that trail marathon. Yikes on that elevation chart. You are one brave lady!

ps-seeing you in those LF sweatpants really makes me want a pair! i feel like i should have a payroll deduction sent straight to oiselle!! 🙂

Congrats and awesome job, especially on such a tough course and different terrain!!!! You are amazing and still smiling so big AFTER the race, that says a lot!!Sara @ lifebetweenthemiles recently posted…Boston Marathon Training: Week 13 Update

Wow! That is so fantastic! I don’t even think you can compare times with a road race — it’s really so much more challenging. And that elevation map! You go, girl!Coco recently posted…Sharp Objects Book Review

Congrats on the marathon! I ran my first last fall and it is such and individual accomplishment. I even cried at the finish line 🙂
A trail marathon sounds brutal, great job!Sami recently posted…Let’s Get Coffee ~ A Virtual Coffee Date

Wow Courtney!!!! That is incredible. I love that you signed up for a marathon “while you were still trained for one”, didn’t wallow after the Shamrock, got back out there for a TRAIL marathon. You are awesome. Congrats!Michele recently posted…Tasty Tuesday Paleo Apple Cake

Unfortunately, I had to stop running a few years ago due to plantar fasciitis. I have never run trails just hiked them. Congrats on your first trail marathon and stopping by from the #wowlinkup.The Frugal Exerciser recently posted…Workout Wednesdays – WOW!

I ran a trail race last year Run Through the Grapevine at Linganore Vineyard and it was a BEAST! I took pictures because I swear one part of the trail felt like I was climbing the side of a mountain. It made no sense. LOL. #wowlinkup.Diatta @ Femme Fitale Fit Club recently posted…Best Buy 2-Day Sale Happening now

Kudos to you for having the bottle girl to run this marathon and actually finish it. I am just recovering from a foot injury (Plantar Fasciitis) and will be looking to start training again. You are an inspiration. LOLHelen James recently posted…Why You Need Shoes with Best Arch Support